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Dear Friends,

This Sunday’s Gospel may come as a surprise. Jesus, whom we call the Prince of Peace, says: “Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” These are not comfortable words, but they are true. The peace Christ offers is not about keeping everyone happy or avoiding conflict. It’s the peace that comes from truth – and truth can sometimes disrupt before it heals. We may sometimes forget that faith isn’t meant to make life easier. Following Jesus does not mean going along with whatever is convenient or popular. It means living with conviction, even when it costs us – in relationships, in public life, or simply in standing up quietly for what is good and right. Living the Gospel authentically will sometimes set us apart. But Jesus doesn’t ask us to win arguments – He asks us to be faithful. This “fire” Christ speaks of is not about destruction but transformation. It is the fire of the Holy Spirit, the fire of conversion, the fire of God’s love that reshapes us from the inside out. It purifies. It refines. It kindles hope and courage. To follow Christ is to allow this fire to touch our lives – and to carry it into the world.

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Jeremiah, in the first reading, pays a high price for remaining faithful to God’s word. He is rejected, silenced, and thrown into a cistern. Yet God does not abandon him. Nor does God abandon us. As the Psalm reminds us, “I waited, I waited for the Lord, and he stooped down to me… He drew me from the deadly pit.” Even when we feel stuck or alone, God is near. His grace sustains us, even in the mud. The Letter to the Hebrews continues this image of endurance, calling us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.” It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves – a long line of faithful witnesses who have gone before us, many of whom also faced rejection, opposition, and trials. We are not the first to find the Gospel difficult to live – and we are not alone in it either.

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As we face these challenges, we are given a model and a comfort in Mary. This week, the Church celebrates the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her “yes” to God opened the way for salvation; her quiet strength stood firm at the foot of the cross. As Queen, she reigns not in earthly grandeur but with motherly tenderness, always guiding us to Christ. She reminds us that peace comes not from avoiding the hard road, but from walking it with grace. We are not alone. She walks with us.

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Let us ask the Lord this week for the courage to live our faith with integrity. May the fire of His word purify our hearts and renew our witness. And may Mary, our Queen and Mother, strengthen us to keep our eyes on Jesus and press on – with joy, even in the struggle.

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With every blessing,

 

Fr Peter

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PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

 

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Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN

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PARISH OFFICE. The office will be open from Monday to Wednesday (18th to 20th of August) this week. And it will be closed from 21st August to 1st September. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday 2nd September.​

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ENHANCED LISTENING SKILLS. This course is a part 2 to the listening skills course held in 2024. It is appropriate for both first time attendees and those who attended part 1. It will be held on 2 Saturdays: 11th and 18th October, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, in the Parish Centre. Sue Buddin who is a very experienced former Relate counsellor and trainer kindly agreed to run it on a voluntary basis. The goal is to enhance skills we have innately and enable to use them with confidence. It is an interactive course which can help both in daily life and in a range of settings from ministry to working as a mentor at school or work. There is a limit on numbers attending. If interested, email Catherine Rodger.

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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION. Registration for the First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation Programme is now open. If your child is entering Year 3 in September 2025 (or is older) you can registervia the link. During the programme, Fr Peter meets with parents while catechists teach the children. Parents will also be completing sessions with their children at home. Our initial parents' meeting is on Wednesday 1st October at 7:00pm and the sessions will begin in November. The programme dates are listed at the end of the registration form. All sessions will take place at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Sevenoaks. Email: First Holy Communion

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​CARLO ACUTIS. If you missed the exhibition on Eucharistic Miracles (Carlo Acutis), in our Parish, there is an opportunity to see it until 18th August at St Theresa of the Infant Jesus, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 3LJ.

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​CHURCH MAINTENANCE and FUNDRAISING. From 11th August, for about two weeks, scaffolding will be in place to enable repairs to the high-level ridge tiles on the Church Tower. Be careful when using the walkway underneath the tower and use the Gordon Road entrance as necessary. This is is part of our ongoing Maintenance Project, following the recent replacement of 13 windows in the Presbytery. We are grateful to those who contributed in the fundraising so far. Check the website for details on how to donate. Every little help is appreciated as we care for the heart of our parish together.

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CAR FOR FATHER SHAIJU. We are currently looking for a suitable car for Fr Shaiju to assist with his pastoral duties across the parish. If anyone is in a position to offer a vehicle or sell one at a reasonable price, we would be most grateful. Please feel free to get in touch with the Parish Office if you can help. Thank you for your kindness and support.

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THE WHY? COURSE. Catholic answers to the big questions: Why God? Why Christ? Why the Church? Each session lasts one hour (inclusive of a 25 minute video), designed for those wishing to learn more about Catholicism. It will run over three Monday evenings in September (1st, 8th & 15th). Sessions start at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre. If interested, email Andrew La Trobe or phone 07775738485.​

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MARRIED AND ENGAGED COUPLES. Have you seen the SycamOre series about adults and their faith? The next online course for married and engaged couples begins on Tuesday 9th September and continues on the 16th, 23rd and 30th. Contact Carole on mflkent@rcaos.org.uk for information.

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RIDE AND STRIDE. Charles and Sarah Sexton will be riding in the Ride and Stride on 13th September to raise funds for Most Holy Trinity and Friends of Kent Churches. They are planning to visit as many churches as possible in the Romney Marsh area. Charles will be collecting sponsors after Sunday masses at Most Holy Trinity. If you can spare an hour of your time we are also looking for help to welcome Ride and Stride participants to Most Holy Trinity on 13th September. If you can help, contact Barry Authers or Charles after Sunday mass. Charles has also set up a Just Giving page.

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BOROUGH GREEN. Margaret Briggs from St Joseph’s will be walking to at least 10 churches for Ride and Stride as well and would be grateful for any sponsorship. 50% of the monies will come back to St Joseph’s and 50% will go to Friends of Kent Churches. Contact her on 01732 885295 if you can help. Thank you.

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SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

We now have 12 pilgrims booked on this pilgrimage from 20th to 29th September, together with Fr Biju John. Preparations are going well with two practice walks completed and another planned for Saturday 30th August starting from Aylesford Priory. If you would like to join us on this walk even if you are not going to Santiago, contact Br David 07821 049827 or Margaret 01732 885295.

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THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING. Join us for coffee, cake and company every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:45am in the Parish Centre. All are welcome. Please note that our last meeting is on the 31st July. We will resume on 4th September.

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WALSINGHAM. The annual Medjugorje pilgrimage day at Walsingham is on Monday 25th August. It will be led by Father Zvonimir Pavicic OFM, Parish Priest at St James, Medjugorje. Start time is at 1:15, with Rosary and litany, followed by a talk, Holy Mass, Adoration and Benediction..

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CATECHISTS. The annual Diocesan Day for Catechists will be in the Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral (Lambeth Road, SE1 6HR) on Saturday 20th September, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. All catechistas are invited, including those involved in Liturgy of the Word for Children and the RCIA process.Information can be found here.

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JOB VACANCIES. The Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis is advertising for two roles: Course Administrator and Departmental Administrator (both 22.5hours per week). For job descriptions and more information on how to apply, check the website.

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THE MARTYR SAINTS OF THE NORTH-WEST. This course will be from 12th to 14th September. It will study some of the Reformation-era martyrs of the North-West region. Part-retreat, part-biographical, the weekend will be led by Mgr John Allen of Salford Diocese, who has recently published a history of the diocese with a foreword by Eamon Duffy. For information and to book, check the website.

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SAVE THE DATE. On Friday 5th September, there will be a social evening in the Parish Centre for parishioners and their non catholic/not practicing catholic partners. Details to follow. In the meantime, to register interest, email  James or 07917032024.

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TESCO RIVERHEAD. Shop at Tesco Riverhead and help our school. St Thomas Catholic Primary had its application to Tesco Stronger Starts approved. The project is for a Sensory Garden which will include a calming water feature as a reflective piece for children to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Voting started in July and will go until the end of September. The project with the highest number of votes across our region will receive £1,500 (or the amount that was requested up to this value). Please support our school and share it amongst your friends.

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REPOSITORY SHOP OPENING TIMES THIS WEEK

Saturday 16th August: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 17th August: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15 Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Shop open after any weekday Masses attended by Esther Ford

Saturday 23rd August: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 24th August: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

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Make sure to check and browse the various items available for sale from cards (Mass cards, birthday, get well, etc), a varied stock of spiritual books, rosaries and gifts for different occasions like Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation. You may also ask for special orders. For any queries or if you can join the team and help, email Esther​​

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​CCRS. The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is a knowledge-based, internationally recognised qualification that provides participants with an understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith. It enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process which leads to greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. The course presents the basic foundational teachings of the Catholic Church in a manner that is captivating, inspiring, and applicable. Participants will be equipped to make an informed and practical contributions to their chosen field of ministry within the Church. Please visit the website for further information.

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ARCHCERT. Do you desire to know Jesus more intimately? The Archbishop’s Certificate (ArchCert) is a 2-year online course for those who wish to understand their faith in a more profound way and be able to share it with both confidence and joy. It starts on 18th October. The cost, payable over 2 years, is £800. To register go to this link.

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BEREAVEMENT. From September the Bereavement Support team will be arranging to meet anyone who would like to be listened to in a safe, friendly and confidential environment, on an individual basis at a convenient time for them. If you would like to make an appointment, contact the Parish Office.​​​​

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MEN'S RETREAT. “...When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you to the complete truth”. (John 16: 13). What is the truth about God? About others? About myself ? The men’s retreat will be on Saturday, 6th September, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at Most Holy Trinity, Otford. Led by Fr Bryan Wells it will cost £15. There will be coffee and tea from 9:30am. Bring a packed lunch. To register, email Catherine.​

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MARRIAGE HELP. Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or already divorced? If you are open to try again, Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Retrouvaille is a marriage ministry, run by Catholics, to support marriages. The programme helps couples find hope and healing in their relationship. Call to find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk or 0797 338 0443.​​

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CATHOLIC HISTORY WALKS. Check out www.catholichistorywalks.com for a selection of fascinating walks around London.

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THURSDAY Aug 14th - Meet 2.30pm, Church of the Most Precious Blood O'Meara Street London SE1. We will learn the story of St Olaf and a Viking battle, and walk along the river to Shakespeare's rebuilt Globe Theatre.​​

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BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE (BABM) – Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. To celebrate Jubilee 2025 a one day Building a Better Marriage opportunity will be held in the following 9 Southwark deaneries during 2025. The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm and is free to attend. The day will be open to other deaneries in 2026 who have not experienced the event. To join one of these day’s please contact Carole on 07983 524 727 or email 

13th September – Southwark Cathedral, London

4th October – Holy Cross, Catford

1st November – St James the Great, Petts Wood​

 

MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist

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MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.

 

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. This is a prayer group for those discerning and practicing discipleship in our parish led by Deacon Neil which meets in the Parish Centre from 7:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, and includes time of fellowship over tea and coffee, praise & worship led by musicians, consideration of Church teaching and prayer. For more information please contact Deacon Neil.

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RECENTLY DIED

Robert Stay

Funeral (Cremation) on 28th August 2025 at Bluebell Crematorium (1:45pm)

 

Tim Ellison Smith

Requiem Mass on 26th August 2025 at St Thomas’, Sevenoaks (2:00pm)

 

William Taylor

Details to follow

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James Thomas Bairson Fraser

Funeral on 16th September 2025 at Bluebell Crematorium (12:30pm)

 

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

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Learning from Pope Leo XIV

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​​​​​​​​​​Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has made thoughtful reflections during his Sunday Angelus addresses, especially during his time in Castel Gandolfo this summer. Several recurring themes emerge, offering encouragement and guidance for us.

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Hospitality: Welcoming God at Our Door

In his Angelus on 20th July 2025, Pope Leo invited us to picture God as a guest standing at our doorstep, knocking, waiting patiently for our invitation to enter. Drawing on the stories of Abraham and the sisters Martha and Mary, the Pope emphasised that true hospitality demands humility, attention, and the courage to slow down and listen. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer—or receive—is simply presence.

 

Generosity and Trust in God’s Providence

On Corpus Christi (22nd June), he unpacked the miracle of the loaves and fishes as a sign: our small offerings, when entrusted to God, become more than enough. He described how Jesus shares our poverty fully—and transforms our simple gifts into communion and blessing for others.

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Eternal Life as Gift, Not Earned

In his first Angelus from Castel Gandolfo (13th July), Pope Leo reflected on eternal life not as something to be seized but received as an inheritance, freely given when we love God wholeheartedly and our neighbour as ourselves.

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Peace through Compassion, Not Conflict

Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he encouraged “a revolution of love,” calling for compassion toward those wounded by poverty, conflict, or social injustice. He emphasised that Christian life is shaped not by ideology but by neighbourly love—and by stopping to care when others suffer.

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So how do these themes speak to us as a parish community? They challenge us to rediscover the simplicity and strength of the Gospel, and to ask: what kind of parish are we becoming?

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Are we a people who welcome Christ daily – not just in the tabernacle, but in one another? Do we recognise the sacred moment when someone shares their burdens or quietly asks for prayer? Hospitality must become more than a gesture; it must be the spirit that shapes our liturgies, meetings, conversations, and even our silences.

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Are we a community that trusts that God can multiply the little we offer? In a time when many feel stretched, tired, or unsure of what difference their efforts make, we are called to be people who give anyway – of our time, our attention, our gifts. We offer what we can, and we entrust the rest to Him.

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Are we a parish that holds fast to the hope of eternal life, not as a distant ideal, but as a real and guiding promise? That hope should shape the way we educate, the way we serve the poor, the way we accompany the grieving, and the way we speak to our young people – who long not just for answers, but for meaning and direction.

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Are we a Church of compassion – not sentimentality, but the kind of love that stoops down, that binds wounds, that listens long after it becomes uncomfortable? Compassion means presence. It means walking slowly with one another. It means making space for those who are different, those who doubt, those who are on the edge.

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This is what we must become: a Church that welcomes Christ, that gives generously, that lives in hope, and that serves with love.

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This is not a strategy. It is not a slogan. It is simply the Gospel – lived anew in our towns, our churches, our homes. And if we do this humbly, faithfully, and together, then truly the fire Jesus came to bring will begin to burn brightly among us.

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And as always, we do not walk alone. Mary, our Queen and Mother, walks with us. Her quiet presence assures us that God’s promises are real, that His grace is enough, and that saying “yes” to Him – again and again – will always bear fruit.

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DIOCESAN NOTICES
 

​​​​​​​​​Hope in Adoration. As part of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop John is encouraging people to turn to the Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and have their hopes “fulfilled by Christ”. The campaign, Hope in Adoration, will share testimonies from parish priests and laity throughout the year on how Eucharistic Adoration has helped them build a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Resources will also be made available for free and there is a comprehensive list of times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes across the Archdiocese. Find out more about the campaign at rcaos.org.uk/hopeinadoration​​

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​St Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.
St Edith of Kemsing, pray for us.

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Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks

12 Granville Road     email

Sevenoaks               01732 454177

TN13 1ER​​​